Domtar Corp., Montréal, Qué., Canada, has entered into an agreement for UPM, Finland, to become the exclusive distributor of Domtar's BioChoice™ lignin in Europe. The agreement takes effect on August 1. 

 

BioChoice lignin is produced at Domtar's biorefinery in Plymouth, N.C. A by-product of the kraft pulping process, BioChoice is a 100% bio-based sustainable alternative to fossil-based products, and also holds the USDA Certified Biobased Product label. 

 

"Our lignin separating process is groundbreaking as it allows us to offer high quality kraft lignin in commercial quantities," said Domtar's Richard Mullen, VP Market Development and Analysis. "UPM is an ideal partner for Domtar in many ways, as they have a strong presence in the European market and also years of experience with biomaterials." 

 

UPM's Juuso Konttinen, VP of Biochemical, added that "we at UPM are truly excited about this agreement, not only because we get a great product in our offering, but also because together with Domtar we can develop the market and offer our customers sustainable, value added products for a growing variety of end uses." 

 

Domtar produces a wide variety of fiber-based products including communication papers, specialty and packaging papers, and absorbent hygiene products. The majority of its pulp mill capacity, used to produce paper grade, fluff, and specialty pulps, is consumed internally to produce paper and consumer products. UPM operates six business areas: UPM Biorefining, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Paper Asia, UPM Paper Europe and North America, and UPM Plywood. The group employs around 21,000 people.